We love Mrs. Wishy-Washy in our kindergarten classroom. She becomes an old friend early in the year when we read the many early stories of her adventures with the cow, duck, and pig. The big books become treasured items in our classroom. We act out the stories using tiny toys and create interactive writing pieces based on the books. The children beg for more stories about her and get very excited when Mr. Wishy-Washy is introduced. Last year at the Reading Recovery conference, I was excited to see that there is a whole new series starring Mrs. Wishy-Washy by the wonderful Joy Cowley. I bought single copies of the books and they became fast favorites in our classroom.

Recently, I was contacted by the publisher, Hameray Publishing, and asked to review these new titles. I turned this task over to my kindergarteners. We read the books and used them in our study of story elements including characters, setting, problem and solution. Here are some thoughts from the voices of five and six year-olds – the perfect audience for the Mrs. Wishy-Washy series.

*I like the books because they have animals in them. I like Mrs. Wishy-Washy.

*They are so funny because Mrs. Wishy-Washy is always trying to give them a bath. I liked when the animals went to a car wash. (in the book Mrs. Wishy-Washy and the Big Wash) That was so funny!

*Joy Cowley is a smart writer. She knows how to make kids laugh. I love Mrs. Wishy-Washy!

*Mrs. Wishy-Washy is the best character ever. I like her and the Pigeon (from Mo Willems) the best!

*It was so funny when the animals put on Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s clothes (in the book Wishy-Washy Clothes). They looked funny and it made me laugh so hard!

*Joy Cowley writes books for kids that kids like. She makes the characters solve problems in a funny way. Sometimes Mrs. Wishy-Washy gets tricked by the animals. I like that!

As a teacher, I love these new books too! The Early Birds Collection is perfect for emergent readers, with easy to read text, meaningful story lines and engaging pictures and text. I’ve used these books for small group shared reading and independent reading. If I had multiple copies, they would be ideal for guided reading. The Joy Cowley Collection is excellent as well. These books are a bit more challenging, but still perfect for late kindergarten, first and second grade readers. The books engage children and provide multiple opportunities for predicting and thinking beyond the text. The stories are highly engaging and truly appeal to children at this age. Again, I have used these books in small group shared reading and for independent reading. They would be perfect guided reading texts as well.

I encourage you to visit the Hamaray website and see the new Mrs. Wishy-Washy series, as well as new books with Dan the Flying Man, the Meanies and the Hungry Giant. They also make finger puppets with the characters – perfect for a retelling station. If you love Mrs. Wishy-Washy, you will love this new series! And if you’d like to win some of these books for your classroom, or a for the classroom of a favorite teacher, then read on…

The Joy Cowley Classroom Giveaway calls for teachers, parents, friends, relatives and anyone else who wants to nominate a classroom to possibly win 90 new titles from The Joy Cowley Collection and The Joy Cowley Early Birds Collection by beloved author and Mrs. Wishy-Washy creator, Joy Cowley! These two new collections of leveled readers, for K-2nd grade classrooms, are developed for shared, guided and independent reading. Finger puppets and 3 audio CDs will also be included. Please nominate your favorite early childhood classroom here. You can also find out more about Hameray Publishing, Mrs. Wishy-Washy and other fun activities on Pinterest, Facebook and Hameray Publishing. You can use the discount code, ZJCC13 for a 20% discount that expires 6/30/13.

Hamaray Publishing is also generously donating a Joy Cowley Big Book as a prize to a lucky winner on our blog! All you need to do is leave a comment below with your name and the grade level you teach before 5pm April 28. We’d love to hear your thoughts on using Joy Cowley’s books in your classroom as well! The winner will be randomly chosen April 28. Check back that evening to see who the winner is!

A few of our favorites…

Disclosure: I received complimentary products for review. All opinions are my own and this is not a compensated post.

In my final year of my 30 years as a primary and Reading Recovery teacher, I commented to my class that my original big book purchased over 20 years ago is a bit ragged from their love. Joy Cowley and Mrs. Wishy Washy have inspired me as well as my students.
Lani

My kindergarten class nominated Mrs. Wishy-Washy for our Leader in Me Wall! (We are a first year Leader in Me school) They felt she displayed leadership by being proactive and washing the animals before they got any dirtier! Thank you Mrs. Wishy-Washy for being a Leader in Literacy!
christine

I am a reading resource teacher. I work with kindergarten. I love Mrs. Wishy Washy and the kinders do, too. I also like Mr. Wishy Washy. I keep a set of Wishy Washy books at home to read/share with my (now) great nieces & nephews. Joy Cowley is wonderful.

We have loved our Joy Cowley books to ribbons. The Hungry Giant is barely hanging in there, with yards of tape holding him together. The Meanies might show up on Antique Roadshow. We’re so glad to have found a publisher for Joy Cowley books and you’ll be hearing from us in the near future!

Mrs. Wishy-Washy has become a fast favorite in my first grade classroom for many years. Engaging and funny, the books are a reliable and wonderful hook into reading. Our books are “beyond” well-loved!
Linda Dilger
First Grade

My students love Mrs. Wishy Washy stories and I am Mrs. Wishy Washy. She (I) gave them christmas presents, valentines, easter gifts and now they are graduating from Kindergarten. I am getting dressed up as Mrs. Wishy Washy and would love to give each of them a Mrs. Wishy Washy book. They are wonderful children who truly love this character.
Thanks for allowing me to share – Mary Anne Ferrigno